Gold Rush fans around the world mourn the loss of the beloved John Schnabel. Grandpa John died this morning. Parker Schnabel took to Twitter to thank fans for their condolences, stating: “Thank you all for the kind words. Grandpa John lived a great life and was one of a kind. I am glad the world got to see an amazin
g man.”
Discovery provided the following statement from the Schnabel family: “We couldn’t have asked for a better father, grandfather and overall family man. He was a true legend and we appreciate all of your love and support as we celebrate his wonderful life.”
Grandpa John shared his gold mining expertise with his grandson Parker Schnabel on Discovery Channel’s hit series Gold Rush for six seasons. He just recently celebrated his 96th birthday on Feb. 11.
When we talked to Parker earlier this month just before the season finale, which he won, we asked him what Grandpa John had to say about his sixth season. “He was stoked. Actually, we were just down for his birthday. We had a great time. He’s 96 now.”
Born and raised in Kansas, John Schnabel packed his bags and headed north to Haines, Alaska, at just 19 years of age to join his father at making a go in the saw milling industry. He wasn’t there long before he turned his attention to serving his country during World War II, where he was in the Air Corps. After the war he returned to Haines where he purchased a mill and then later opened a hardware store. He even served as mayor of Haines. Not exactly sure when he officially started mining but he bought his first mine at age 68 — Big Nugget — and it was there that he taught Parker and Parker’s brother Payton to prospect, mine and handle all of the equipment.
He was a fabulous mentor, grandfather and TV personality people came to love. R.I.P.
Images Credit: Discovery Channel
Grandpa Schnabel,
You were and still are my pride and joy sir. You are what so many people needed in these times. An honest family loving man with so much to share with all the people.
Thank God Americas’s GrandPa had these years to spend with us to share his smile, wisdom and heart!
R I P
Love you,
Tom
Age 76
RIP Grandpa Schabel. Continue to make him proud, Parker. His legacy lives on through you. Remember all he has taught you. Prayers to you and your family.
Grandpa John was a great mentor to Parker . Wish he could of mentor me like he did Parker . What a great man…he was a Legend to us all. He will be greatly missed. God Bless !
RIP Grandpa John you will be missed.
Parker and family our prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
The Cooksey Family
So sorry to hear of your grandpa’s passing! We just loved him! Thinking of you and your family, Thoughts and prayers to you all! ❤️
Gonna miss grandpa Schnabel. He was the greatest. RIP grandpa.
So very sorry for your loss. I feel like I’ve lost him too. He was very much loved.
So Sorry for the Shnable Family. He Was a Great Granpa he will be missed. Prayers for you all. I Allways looked forwerd to see Granpa on the Show. God Bless You.
RIP Grandpa John
Our prayers are with you and your family Parker. We will miss you…..
The Cooksey Family
So sorry for your family loss. Your Grandfather was an amazing man it was like he was Grand PA to everyone . He will be missed. God Bless you and the family. Thank you for sharing your Grand PA with us! Prayers for all. Love from state of Virginia!!
Parker s0rry to hear of the passing of your grandfather. We shared the same birthday, Feb. 11th. I turned 68, Feb. 11th. I also have a grandson named Parker. Small world.
My husband and I were just commenting on how much we love Grandpa John and we saw the news of his passing. He was such a wonderful person to watch on Gold Rush and we will truly miss seeing him. His love for his family and especially Parker was something amazing to see. He was the anchor that kept Parker grounded and I hope he never fails to remember all that his grandpa taught him. What a truly wonderful person and we feel so blessed that he was shared with all of us. We love you Grandpa John.
I am so sorry Parker for your loss of your grandpa John I love watching the show and your grandpa will be missed
Condolences on the loss of Grandpa John. He was a remarkable man and showed unconditional love to his family. A memorable man. All in my family loved him, especially my sons.
Prayers to the Schnabel family. What a great man.
I am so sorry for your loss.i feel like he was my grandpa.i loved watching him.we love you all
Harry and Michelle we sooo love grandpa an u parker our hearts an tears. We love u. Keep the legacy on!!!
God bless John he was everyone’s grandfather. Thank for sharing him with us Parker.
Grandpa John,
Respect!
RIP
so sorry to hear that, he was sure proud of Parker, reminded me of my grandpa. Prayer’s with you all from the Travis household…. God bless you all
So sad to hear that your grandpa passed away